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The
first four are from the later 1800's and are here courtesy of
Sherry Jennings. Unfortunately they cannot definitely be linked
to her relatives. On the reverse they bear the incription "Grandad's
Regiment", although her Grandad was not known to have served
in the army, so he may have picked them up during his job as
a removals man. Nevertheless, they are fantastic, with each
telling its own story.
From
1890 to 1902, the 1st battalion were in India, therefore, given
the silverware photograph is of the 1st battalion's, it is reasonable
to assume this is from that period. There is also a grave photo
of a Major Frere who died in Bengal in 1890, which confirms
these thoughts. These two are of the lads relaxing, cleaning
up and generally doing what they did in camp. Evidence from
the equipment confirms the Indian connection and era too, with
the liklihood being these were taken between 1895 and 1897.
This one of mounted
infantry could easily be from the South African wars (1899-1902),
given that the Regiment deployed as such during the period.
The 2nd battalion and elements of the Bedfordshire Militia and
Volunteers were deployed but the 1st battalion were stationed
in India until 1902, at which time they went to the Far East.
Given the layout of the camp behind them, it also seems to support
India rather than South Africa, although I am open to any sugegstions
that could prove or disprove these theories!
The nearest grave
in the photograph below is of a son of Major Frere, Royal Scot
Fusiliers, who died in 1890. According to the 1890 Army List
Frere was with the 2nd Bn in Rowshera, Bengal, which tells us
that most of not all of the first four were taken in India.
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